My Background and Focus

After graduating with my science degree from Memorial University in Newfoundland, and a few interesting jobs in Toronto, I moved to Ottawa and joined MBM in 2000. I immediately knew this was the right place for me because I had finally found an environment that was exciting, challenging and a little geeky, that would allow me to utilize my science degree. I initially started on a gene sequencing monitoring project (just the right amount of geekiness I referred to earlier!) and then transitioned into a broader docketing and paralegal role.

Since then, my role has expanded considerably. Now, as a Senior Paralegal, I divide my time between two main areas of focus: external client work and internal coordination and staff mentorship.

On the external client front, I am responsible for:

• Filing direct and national phase patent applications for Canadian and foreign clients
• Filing PCT applications
• Filing formality requirements at CIPO (in the form of assignments, statements of entitlement, exam requests and maintenance fees)
• Coordinating with foreign associates for filings in other jurisdictions around the world
• During the prosecution phase, I report Office Actions to clients and prepare draft responses (which includes amending figures if required)
• Prepare prior art submissions
• Prepare draft voluntary amendments
• Prepare PPH requests
• Prepare sequence listing submissions
• During the issuance stage, I provide reports to clients on: notice of allowance, payment of the final fee and certificate of registration

To sum it all up, I coordinate and maintain patent portfolios for domestic and international clients.

On the internal coordination and staff mentorship front, I am responsible for coordinating and assigning incoming new matters to MBM internal teams based on subject matter expertise. This part of my job provides a great opportunity to work with different teams within MBM. In addition, supporting and mentoring junior paralegals is very important to me. I enjoy the training aspect of my job and sharing my knowledge and experience with incoming new staff. And finally, given my comprehensive understanding of the patenting process, I assist the business development team with cost estimates and information requests from new and existing clients.

With such a diverse “job description”, it is hard to pinpoint what I love most about my job, but I do have a few favourites. From a client perspective, I love working with Canadian startups, helping them navigate the patenting process, seeing them utilize their IP and watching their business grow. I also love working with foreign associates, being able to connect with people all over the world, hearing their perspectives on business and life is amazing! And finally, from an industry perspective, my real interest lies with green technologies, the development of new vaccines, and all that is happening in those constantly emerging and exciting fields. I find both of those topics to be fascinating and so important for our future.

My Approach

When I think of my role at MBM I think of myself as a bridge linking internal MBM teams with our foreign associates. Evolving into this role has allowed me to enjoy the best of both worlds, striving to achieve the best alignment between the incoming work from clients and MBM internal teams. At the same time, I am connecting with, learning from, and building relationships with foreign associates from countries all over the world. I love learning, so having the opportunity to stay relevant by connecting with associates globally is a great way for me to bring that knowledge back to share with my team.